SUBANG JAYA, March 26 — Seven of Istana Negara officers and staff members have been tested positive for Covid-19 and are receiving treatment at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, a palace official said in a statement today.
Comptroller of the royal family and household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsudin said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah were also screened for the novel coronavirus but results were negative.
“Following the screening procedure, the King and Queen will self-quarantine for 14 days starting from yesterday.
“The King had also been advised not meet with the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for the weekly pre-Cabinet meeting, that was scheduled yesterday,” he said in the statement, adding that the meeting will also be put on hold until the recovery of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ahmad Fadil said Istana Negara, with the cooperation of the Health Ministry, had traced those who have had close contact with the seven infected palace staff.
“Those who were in close contact have been instructed to undergo the Covid-19 screening procedure and to self-quarantine for 14 days, beginning yesterday.
“Istana Negara is carrying out disinfection procedures according to the health and safety guidelines as stipulated by Health Ministry,” the statement read.
He said the palace management would ensure a conducive and healthy and environment in Istana Negara in accordance with the ministry’s guidelines
He added measures have been taken to ensure the wellbeing of the King and Queen as well as the palace officers and staff during the movement control period.
